Plastic #3 (PVC)
What Should I Do With It?
Plastic #3, commonly known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC, is a highly durable but toxic plastic found in items ranging from vinyl pipes and shower curtains to children's toys and certain food wraps. Because of the harmful chemical additives used to make it, PVC is not accepted in standard curbside recycling programs and must be thrown in the regular garbage. Furthermore, you should never use plastic #3 containers to heat or store food, as PVC contains hazardous toxins like lead and phthalates that can easily transfer into your meals. While some rigid construction materials like PVC pipes can be processed through specialized commercial recovery facilities, avoiding PVC products entirely is the safest choice for both human health and the environment.
Safety First
This item contains chemicals, heavy metals, or batteries that can be dangerous. Throwing it in your regular trash can cause fires, hurt sanitation workers, or leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.